Group test: HD AV receivers £1,000-£1,300

There haven't been too many changes to AV receiver designs in recent years but the introduction of HDMI technology has given way to a new breed of surround sound amps. Most modern AV receivers already allow HDMI switching while newer models can accept and process the digital audio and video signals carried by the connection. But the latest receivers using HDMI 1.3 now also support next generation sound formats like Dolby True HD and DTS HD as used by HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs. Previously, this decoding was done by the source but if the player is capable of passing the formats in bitstream then they can be decoded by the receiver's integrated processing - so long as both receiver and player have HDMI 1.3 connections. Otherwise, they are converted to linear PCM signals by the player first - although they still sound exceptional. The catch is that only the latest high-definition players are able to output these new HD formats as bitstream, although older players will be offered a firmware upgrade. But that will change with time and these receivers are ready for the future. Overview Price: £1,300 More info: Denon Size: 434x171x420mm Weight: 17.8g Power rating: 7x160W Sound formats: Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, Pro Logic IIx, DTS, DTS-ES Discrete/Matrix 6.1, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24 Inputs: 9x analogue, 4x digital optical, 3x digital coaxial, 7x composite, 7x S-Video, 3x component, 4x HDMI Outputs: 8x channel preamp, 2x analogue, 2x composite, 2x S-Video, 2x component, HDMI, 2x optical Tuner: FM/AM/Internet Presets: 56 Auto Set Up: No Denon AVR-3808 Denon's AVR-3808 is a more affordable alternative to the company's flagship AVR-4308 receiver - it's slightly specced down and sacrifices features such as Wi-Fi networking and a DAB radio but will save you around £700 on the cost. The feature count is higher than its rivals - not least because of its ability to play practically any audio format including a complete range of digital files from your Mac or PC. These can be streamed using an integrated Ethernet connection while there's also USB support for portable devices and an optional dock for your iPod. So, if you store much of your music collection on your home computer then the AVR-3808 carries obvious advantages. On the home cinema side, there are seven channels of amplification supported by a full range of connections including four of the latest HDMI 1.3a inputs. These support all the new video improvements and the latest HD surround formats with integrated Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD decoding. And, the connection can be used to upscale any analogue or digital video source to 1080p/24fps. Even the new user interface can be upscaled and the state-of-the-art graphics look stunning. Setting up the receiver is simple courtesy of an automatic calibration system with Room EQ, which can also be extended for up to three multi-rooms using high-end the MultEQ XT from Audessey. When it comes to sound quality, the Denon immediately excites with a stirring performance featuring tightly controlled but thunderous low frequencies that won't fail to enliven any energetic film score. The soundstage isn't necessarily as extensive as the Onkyo but for pure dramatic impact and far reaching dynamics it's a totally involving experience, especially playing high-definition audio. Its undoubted authority is supported by realistic detail with plenty of expression to isolated dialogue and precise steering of more ambient effects, although subtleties can occasionally sound overwhelmed by the rip roaring delivery elsewhere. If you're planning to play your music through the receiver too then the Denon makes a decent attempt at presenting stereo soundtracks, especially using the Pure Direct mode to bypass video circuitry and tonal controls - but there are some rival receivers with more musicality. There's no denying the Denon's superior flexibility and features but, despite sounding sonically impressive, there are alternative models that can do the same for a more affordable price. Verdict Plus points Attractive design; flexible features; stunning user interfaces; authoritative multi-channel sound Minus points Comparatively expensive; stereo performance can be bettered

Overview Price: £1,000 More info: Marantz Size: 440x396x184mm Weight: 15g Power rating: 7x110W Sound formats: Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, Pro Logic IIx, DTS, DTS-ES Discrete/Matrix 6.1, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24 Inputs: 6x analogue, 3x digital optical, 3x digital coaxial, 4x composite, 4x S-Video, 4x component, 4x HDMI Outputs: 8 channel preamp, 4x analogue, 3x composite, 3x S-Video, 2x component, 2x HDMI, digital optical, digital coaxial Tuner: FM/AM Presets: 50 Auto Set Up: Yes Marantz SR 7002 While Denon has taken the features route to sonic success, Marantz tell us that their modus operandi is slanted towards 'pure sound quality'. The latest SR7002 replaces the SR7001 and claims to feature several audio improvements including enhanced dynamics with better bass and tone control. The stocky design is beautifully built and features shallower than usual dimensions to complement modern display racks. Although it can't claim the same networking capabilities as the Denon, it sports a reasonable collection of features at this price. It's a similar blueprint to its rivals with four HDMI 3.1a inputs and two outputs that will support the latest lossless HD audio formats being used by next generation discs. You can also use these for video switching between separate sources and displays - but there is no integrated video upscaling that its rivals can offer (Marantz reason that this is the display's duty). There's a typical automatic calibration system and Audessy's MultEQ system, although multi zones are limited to a second room while other rivals can offer three. Setting up the receiver did take at least 20 minutes but the automatic system is accurate and you should only have to do it once - unless you're a reviewer of course! What struck us immediately about the sound were the far ranging dynamics, which create a wide soundstage with expressive subtleties rising smoothly to carefully controlled low frequencies. This is supported by agile steering and a natural midrange, which leaves the overall delivery sounding focused and always in control - but it can seem too safe on occasion. Intense film soundtracks such as 300 don't have quite the same impact as models like the Onkyo, and could leave you wanting for more. But it can still equal the class leaders for detail and dynamics, while stereo performance is also impressive for an AV receiver, with a similar refined composure and plenty of realism. Marantz's SR7002 certainly offers impressive sound quality but there are other receivers here that can equal it with a few more features thrown in too.

Verdict Plus points Compact design; decent connectivity; excellent detail and dynamics Minus points No video upscaling; limited features; can sound too controlled

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